Debunking myths in headache diagnosis for the pain practitioner

With headache being one of the most common chief complaints, it is essential for pain practitioners to interpret and differentiate a variety of headache characteristics to accurately diagnose and treat specific headache disorders. Certain misconceptions often lead to misdiagnosis. This article presents and discusses six myths about several common headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, cervicogenic headache, sinus headache, and occipital neuralgia) often encountered in clinical practice. The discussion is based primarily on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition and the latest studies. Recognizing and understanding the intricacies behind key headache diagnoses will help providers devise appropriate plans to better care for their patients.

Automated summary

With headache being a common complaint, accurately diagnosing and treating specific headache disorders requires understanding and differentiating various headache characteristics. This article discusses several myths about common headache disorders and provides a discussion based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders and the latest studies. Understanding the intricacies of headache diagnoses helps providers provide better care for patients.